Kiara Bowling, a final-year J.D. student in her early 30s, was struck on Aug. 6 in Oakland by a vehicle driven by two brothers, ages 4 and 7, while walking a dog. She suffered a brain bleed, facial fractures and other serious injuries that will require multiple surgeries and extended care. A GoFundMe has raised over $55,000 of a $90,000 goal to help cover medical and recovery costs. The two children were also hospitalized; their parents are cooperating with investigators.
Oakland Woman Faces 'Lifelong Recovery' After Being Struck by Car Driven by 4- and 7-Year-Old Brothers
Kiara BowlingCredit: GoFundMe
Kiara Bowling, a woman in her early 30s and a final-year J.D. student, faces what her family calls a "lifelong recovery" after being struck by a vehicle in Oakland on Aug. 6.
What Happened
According to police and local reports, a Toyota sedan driven by two brothers, ages 4 and 7, sideswiped an oncoming vehicle, lost control and struck Bowling while she was walking a dog on the sidewalk near 35th Avenue and Mangels Avenue at around 9:30 a.m. Emergency responders transported Bowling and the two children to Highland Hospital.
Kiara BowlingCredit: GoFundMe
Injuries and Treatment
Bowling's family has said she suffered a brain bleed, facial fractures and other serious injuries that will require multiple surgeries and extended rehabilitation. She remains under care at Highland Hospital as doctors determine her next steps.
Children Involved and Investigation
The two boys who were in the vehicle were also injured. The older child reportedly sustained fractures to both legs, and the younger sustained a concussion. Police said the siblings' parents are cooperating with investigators as authorities continue to review the circumstances of the crash.
Kiara BowlingCredit: GoFundMe
Community Support
A GoFundMe page established to help cover Bowling's medical and recovery costs had raised more than $55,000 toward a $90,000 goal as of Aug. 9. The fundraiser notes donations will support immediate medical bills and ongoing needs such as care, transportation, physical therapy and any future surgeries.
An Aug. 8 update on the fundraising page thanked supporters and included a message of faith: "Dear family, No matter what yesterday looked like, GOD IS STILL GOOD. Thank you for your love, support and prayers." The page also shared a photo of Bowling wearing a Miss California Regency International 2026 sash.
Background
Bowling, in her early 30s, is completing her final year of law school at California State University, East Bay. Local reports noted she had recently attended a Yale summer program for her J.D. She has strong community and family support as she begins what is expected to be a lengthy recovery process.
If you wish to help, the GoFundMe linked by the family is collecting donations to assist with Bowling's medical expenses and long-term rehabilitation.
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